I just didn't like the cruise.

[SC Minnie]

We sailed in Jan on the 7 day. Took DD7 out of school for 4 days. The ship was about 80% full. I did notice a lot of people but I didn't notice the large number of unruly kids that some of the other people mention- there are going to be some there are going to be some no matter what. I think since we sailed at an off peak time there were less kids than normal. No matter were you go with that many people in a confined space and on vacation some loose their manners.

We usually sat in the chairs on deck 10- never had a problem finding empty chairs up there. DD wasn't thrilled about the pools because of the large number of kids in the pools but she can swim in a pool at home. She did enjoy going down the Mickey slide and there was never more that a 5 minute wait.

As far as the motion of the ship- DH and DD had no problem at all. We went with the natural remedy and started taking ginger a week before the cruise. I am sure this helped. I felt the motion more when we were near the windows. If I looked out it was even worse. After Tuesday I was fine though. It was not so bad that I never want to cruise again. We are sailing again in October.

If you vacation anywhere- cruise, WDW, ect- at peak times when everyone else is off- like Easter, Christmas, summer break- you are going to experience larger crowds thus more of a chance that you will see bad behavior from kids and adults.

 

[infobahn]

There is a lot on ANY vacation you can't control. I'd also like to state that it is NOT the CMs job to supervise children in the pools, that is the parents. They even state that in a number of places.

As for the pool size, you will find that pool sizes have not, and will not change over time. The very nature of putting a body of water on a ship is and feat. Water has a weight to it, and sloshing around, has some effect on the ship and deck. The Magic/Wonder ARE new ships, and you aren't going to find much of a difference in pool sizes on other ships, either.

At least Disney has places for children to go, some of the other cruise lines either don't have kids clubs, or they can't handle the laod Disney's can.

The problem with children is a parent's responsibility, not Disney.

We had a great time, and while we saw our share of crying children, we knew they weren't ours, and did know the deeper issues that child may have. I'm a big guy, and when children would go racing around the ship and run into me, I would let them bounce off. All it takes is to run into me once, and they walk the rest of the time. I help them up, and DON'T lower a shoulder, but realize I can't get out of their way and just brace.

 

[Doctor P]

I am really very sorry that dbkelly did not have a good time on the cruise. No matter what the reason, it is not pleasant to not have a good time on a vacation. On the other hand, unfortunately many of the problems and issues were not within Disney's control. Others are no unique to the Disney Cruise Line from what I have heard. That doesn't make things better, but it does make for more realistic expectations and understanding when one just gets "dealt a bad hand" on some things.

 

[andicat]

I am concerned about sea sickness so I have to ask. Where was your cabin located? Were you way far forward?

My first cruise will be later this year but I decided I want to be mid-ship or aft on deck 7 with a verandah. People I've talked to seem to have better luck with the sea sickness issue in those locations.

 

[liza]

OK, I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but I have to ask: What is so wrong with "unsupervised" children being on the Disney ship? Aside from safety concerns, and aside from a child actually misbehaving (and "misbehaving" is NOT the same as "unsupervised"), what is the problem with a child simply being on her or her own?

For example, there was a criticism about unsupervised children being on an elevator at 10:30 at night. Well, my recollection from our cruise is that due to some time changes, 10:30 p.m. is actually 8:30 p.m. for some cruisers, depending on where they live. If a child goes to see a movie and then returns to the room, he/she may be on an elevator at 10:30 at night. What is so wrong about that?

Now, my children were too young to go anywhere on their own during our cruise, so we were with them, and besides, we are pretty strict on behavior. Also, we didn't use the pools, as they were too small and crowded (and I didn't want to even THINK about what was in the water) and we preferred the beaches on St. John, etc. And maybe we were just lucky, but we didn't witness many problems with other peoples' children. I've been reading the posts and cannot figure out what is so bad about a child being somewhere on the ship on her/her own, assuming the child is old enough, there are no safety concerns and the child is NOT misbehaving. When my children are old enough, I would certainly allow them to go see a movie or go to an appropriate activity, check in with me before and after, etc. What is wrong with that?

 

[BigMac]

I was on the April 7 Wonder Cruise. It was my first cruise. In your defense, I was also surprised by the rocking of the ship. I have read several of the links that say you can not feel the ship move because of the stabilizers. Well, that first night, I was more scared than seasick by the rocking motion and my closet doors kept opening and closing. After talking with friends who have been on cruises in the past (Royal C., Carnival, etc.) they all talk about how you can't even tell the ship is moving.

I wonder if people just tell first time cruisers that so they won't be deterred? By all means, I know it was not Disney's fault regarding the seas and weather. But it is the ocean, isn't it always windy? Should I have been realistic?

I was a little shocked to find the pools so small. I thought they would be bigger. We didn't utilize the pools much because of the shore excursions. (But even after reading the posts that the pools were crowded, I wish I would have stayed on the ship and enjoyed all of the things it had to offer) My 3 year old missed a lot of the character greetings, etc. I don't understand how parents can leave their children unsupervised. It takes only seconds for something to happen. I wouldn't want to take that chance.

I do want to take another Disney Cruise. I did have fun. I think my second cruise will be even better, because as helpful as these boards are, (I read them religiously for months!) I would do things a lot differently. I would definitely stay on the ship more and not do so many shore excursions. My 3 year old missed pictures with Cinderella and Snow White and she was upset. The Navigator's don't list which characters are at what greetings so, unfortunately, we missed out.

Here's hoping to $saving$ up and catching a good deal so my family can go again soon.

Thanks for your post. Everyone's opinion counts. That's what these boards are for.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

If my children were behaving teenagers, I *might* let them go to movies, etc. unsupervised. But I would NEVER let my young children freely roam the ship. I know it's best to not live your life waiting for something terrible to happen, but I have the mindset that there is always some horrible person lurking nearby. My biggest fear is that my child will become somebody's victim. You just never know. And given that the Disney ship probably carries more children than any other ship (I DON'T know that for sure), I see that as a target for any predator.

I hope I don't come across as some mother completely obsessed and over the edge. I'm not obsessed, but I am protective of the most important things in my life.

 

[infobahn]

OK, I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but I have to ask: What is so wrong with "unsupervised" children being on the Disney ship? Aside from safety concerns, and aside from a child actually misbehaving (and "misbehaving" is NOT the same as "unsupervised"), what is the problem with a child simply being on her or her own?

Well if they behave themselves, nothing. But the fact is it’s not all about the kids. There are plenty of other people who could hurt the kids as well. There is still a young woman missing from a Carnival cruise ship about a year or two ago.

There have been a number of reports on this board of teens smoking pot on the deck 7 stern public balcony. I saw kids grabbing half empty drinks on by Signals.

The threat is there, and the risk is yours – not Disney’s.

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

a few points... oh I don't know, just to put in my two cents like everyone else.
Re: "dumping" your kids into the clubs. We get pagers!
First I learned that the child usually stops crying in 5 or 10 min. and proceeds to have a wonderful time. I learned this when trying to overcome postpartum blues by working out at a health club with an on-site nursery. I dropped the kids, endured heart break as they cried, hid behind the wall and watched them start having fun once I was out of sight. Then I got a job there, to earn a little cash while keeping my kids with me. I PROMISED Mom's I'd page them overhead if their child didn't perk right up within 5 min. I only paged once. Please don't criticize a Mom until you've walked a mile in her shoes.

Second- I don't hesitate to 'guide ' a kiddo to straighten out if their behavior is inappropriate. Maybe I'll bring along some little peel off stickers that say "I notice that your child goes unsupervised" and sneak them onto the backs of kids who were crossing the line! Then their 'guardian' will discover them that night and have time to reflect. Just kidding... I think.
I do hope that the lack of supervision problem is improved. If the kids and parents see where the limits are up front, for instance what the general public will put up with, maybe the majority will abide.

I plan on having a great time and not be judgmental because it is not my place to judge. I don't know the full situation behind what I see, (e.g., maybe the kids checked themselves out) nor will I let material activities control my happiness.

 

[prymsu]

I just would caution folks that you would keep safety in mind because after all you are on a little floating city with a couple thousand other folks who you would consider as strangers. It is terrible that we can't be trusting when on vacation, but I believe a little caution goes a long way.

 

[mmouse37]

regarding the character photos......everyday there is a listing on a board in the Atrium of what characters will be there for photos and autographs and at what times.

unsupervised kids......yes, it does happen. We witnessed some pre-teens dumping a box (vending machine size) tide detergent into the hot tub on deck 9. We went to report it immediately but it was too late. Tons of suds were overflowing the hot tub and cascading down the steps into the pool. People were just standing around laughing, not realizing how slippery the deck is when wet, let alone soapy and wet!!!!

Cm's came to the rescue and cordoned off the area until they could clean up. I really could not believe the adults who thought it was just good clean fun....no pun intended. I do not know what happened to the teens. On another DCL cruise a 14 year old jumped off deck 4 into the harbor in St. Thomas. He was reprimanded by the Captain and was not allowed at of his cabin unless accompanied by his parents.

My teens 18, 17, 14 do go around the ship without me and I do let them stay out late. They have proved to me on 5 DCL cruises that they know how to handle themselves respectfully. All they like to do is meet knew friends and hang out on deck at night. I have "peeked" in on them several times without them knowing just so I could have some peace of mind.

I am not one of those parents who say "not my kid"...just the opposite...I know what kids are cable of and that judgement can be clouded when in a group situation. If they ever cross the line and cause a problem onboard they know that privilege will be taken away. They enjoy the freedom but they know the consquences also.

As far as people saying the boat never rocks or that you can't feel movement....I believe that is in normal to a bit rougher seas.... Any cruise ship is going to rock in gale force winds and 20 ft seas....

MJ

 

[kidzmom3]

I just wanted to add that we had some renovations of our local elementary schools here where I live. So the kindergarten used a wing of the high school. They had minimal , but some contact with the teens. Parents were up in arms. What might happen etc. My point is this. These teens are the little kids of some parents. And some day our children will also be teens. Will they be bad/evil as soon as their 13th bday rolls around? Lets give good kids some credit. In any situation where there are a lot of kids, you will have good and bad. And the good shouldn't be punished for the bads behavior. I do think the cm's should take a more active roll in forcing parents to look after kids who misbehave. Its only safe.

 

[goofysgal]

andicat--

I was on the 4/14 cruise. We were in cabin #7614 located about 4 cabins down the aft hallway from the last set of elevators. We had a verandah. DH, DS and I all experienced some "queasiness" on Sunday nite. We took Dramamine and DH & DS used Seabands also. We took the meds right before going to dinner. We just adjusted our pace and "rolled with the ship" so the speak. We were moving at something like 17-19 knots which I think is pretty fast. Our dinner companions were miserable the first nite. However, I take the view that you adjust, roll with it when you can, make the best of it--if you can't roll with it at least don't dwell on it and make others miserable. To sit around and complain only makes it worse. The remainder of the trip there was no problem. We did not experience any problems with closet doors or creaking or such. We were so pleased with this location that we have booked the last two cabins on deck 7, on either side of the aft deck for 12/27/03.

 

[BethA]

I too noticed all the unsupervised kids on our cruise last year-running the deckes, dumped in the clubs, at the pool, riding in the elevators--but you see that on vacation everywhere--even at the mall. I have no problem telling someone else's kids to quit acting up and I wish the CMs were not so afraid to say anything. The pools might as well be bathtubs for the number of people on the cruise, but we don't go to swim.

Aside from that we tried to ignore the "bad" kids and had the best vacation ever. We thought the food was very good-however we are not gourmets, the staff was excellent and the entertainment was great also. There is so much to do or not do and you ahve to make the best of it. Not veryone enjoys the same things, but I highly recommend DCL.

 

[tecdavidt]

This thread is interesting. First on rough seas. After reading posts from the April cruises, it sounds like the seas have been rough. It can happen on a cruise. I have cruised 11 times and have yet to be in rough seas. It is hit and miss. As far as children out of control, it is the parents fault not DCL's.

The comments on small pools, it is a cruise ship and pools are small on cruise ships. Small pool comments come from first time cruisers. Crowded pools on Disney, well the ship is designed for families and that would include small children so I would expect the Mickey Pool and Goofy Pool to be crowded. At least DCL provides lifeguards.

Recently my husband had a conversation with a women who was wanting to do a Disney cruise. Her sister-in-law was on our 3/16 cruise and hated it. The sister-in-law had comments of, you had to eat at a certain time, you could not wear shorts in the dining rooms and the character meetings had lines! you just couldn't walk up and have them to yourself.

All I could think of after hearing her comments was to tell her to go back to kindergarten. You are on a cruise ship with and x-amount of people. It will not be as crowded as the parks and but yes, you will have to share.

It boils down to this, some people will love cruising and some will not. Do the research before you book your cruise. It is obvious the sister-in-law did not. Our family loves cruising. Our children voted to forget the parks and do the first 7 day back in 2000. Their are people out there who would say, forget the cruise, stay at the parks. It all boils down to expectations. You will enjoy any vacation if it meets your expectations. Kathy

 

[atigeg]

Having been on 20 Disney cruises (with #21 coming up this week), we have seen both sides of the coin. We are rather sheltered, as we do not have children ourselves and can retreat to the adults-only areas when we have had enough of the kids. But of course there are areas where there were always been youngsters, including the movies, shows, activities, etc. We have witnessed kids running totally amok, with parents nowhere in sight, strict parents keeping a tight rein on their young ones, and everything in between. The worst was at a long-ago Castaway Club party, where the kids from one family with playing with the piano and band equipment on the stage at the Cadillac Lounge. The parents turned a blind eye while a crew member tried to keep them under control, which was virtually impossible since one of the kids started screaming bloody murder every time she was steered away from the piano.
On the flipside, even unattended kids can be well-behaved. We saw "Snow Dogs" on our last trip, and two young, unsupervised boys sat near us. I moved a little farther away, concerned that they might cause a disturbance, but they were really good. We've had good experiences at Disney Dreams too...usually, we see the early performance as we are on late seating, but a couple of times we have gone to the performance where there are more kids, and they have been surprisingly good...it's neat to see how fascinated they are with the show.
I've heard the rumors about teens smoking pot on the aft verandah and doing other bad things, but overall the teenagers we've seen have been mainly very well-mannered. They sit around in groups or hang out in certain areas chatting. The only unfortunate thing we did see was a boy who shattered one of the basketball backboards while we watched him via the deck cam on our stateroom tv.
I've also heard the horror stories about kids at the dinner table, but the few times we've eaten with kids have been really great experiences. They're been well-behaved and delightful...we must have really good luck!
Disney Cruise, like Disney World, attracts its care of "me me me" people who are rude and let their children run amok at the expense of other people's enjoyment. But thankfully they don't seem to be in the majority (and we travel a lot on holidays, which are kid-intensive).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[dbkelly]

In response to Disneyholic Family, I would definetly go on the cruise with teenagers. I thought the cruise was wonderful for teenagers, because they are given their on space and you as parents can avoid the kid pool area. I told my husband that if we ever go back it will be when my kids are teenagers and hopefully not during school vacation.

If I read this post before I went on the cruise it would have also bothered me, but at least I would not have been as disappointed. I don't want anybody to cancel their cruise plans, I just want to give you the negative side so you are prepared and won't be as disappointed. There are a lot of wonderful or positive things about the cruise that you will love. These boards tend to be a little bit too positive (which I think is O.K. in this cynical world), however I think I painted a picture of an unrealistic vacation. If anything, I think it was my fault in not realizing that no vacation is perfect.

I think anybody who read this post and is aware of the problems, will have a great time because you will not be as disappointed.

Keep Cruising!

D.B. Kelly

 

[dbkelly]

In response to Disneyholic Family, I would definetly go on the cruise with teenagers. I thought the cruise was wonderful for teenagers, because they are given their on space and you as parents can avoid the kid pool area. I told my husband that if we ever go back it will be when my kids are teenagers and hopefully not during school vacation.

If I read this post before I went on the cruise it would have also bothered me, but at least I would not have been as disappointed. I don't want anybody to cancel their cruise plans, I just want to give you the negative side so you are prepared and won't be as disappointed. There are a lot of wonderful or positive things about the cruise that you will love. These boards tend to be a little bit too positive (which I think is O.K. in this cynical world), however I think I painted a picture of an unrealistic vacation. If anything, I think it was my fault in not realizing that no vacation is perfect. Also, I tend to be strict (as I have been told by my children). I am always concerned about the safety of my children and I feel that I jeopordized their safety with the pools and taxis, which was upsetting. I just got too worried about their safety, which made it difficult to enjoy the vacation as much as I should have.

I think anybody who reads this post and is aware of the problems, will have a great time because you will know what to expect.

Keep Cruising!

D.B. Kelly

 

[disneyholic family]

not to worry...
we're still going on the disney cruise...
my kids would never stand for our cancelling...

the only thing my daughter's worried about is motion sickness...
where do you get the wristbands?...
i'll come armed with dramamine II and ginger tablets, but i think i'll want the wrist bands too...

by the way, my daughter's also going because she's dying to meet other teens and get to know them a little....(my son on the other hand would much prefer spending 3 days in front of the computer, just like always)....

and who knows....maybe all the rude people will stay home that weekend....although i KNOW the ship is going to be packed....probably 100%......but maybe with only nice patriotic people....

my sister went on a cruise on Christmas last year and she said it was fantastic....either the rude people didn't come, or else they were on their best behavior for the holiday...

 

[dbkelly]

I never used the wristbands. My husband and I both used Bonine (Meclizine) which was great. We never felt sick. The couple we ate dinner with the first night had to go back to their room to get Dramamine. After 20 minutes they were feeling much better. As long as you take something you should be fine. The movement of the ship is just a scary feeling at first, but then you get use to it.

I think your teenagers will have a great time. You will also have a great time, because you can avoid all the negative aspects. I hope to sail again when my children are a lot older.

D. B. Kelly